Another day was growing to a close. classes in teh scince Departemnt were usually formal and structured. taking place in the Second watch and closing by the middle of third watch. Elsa found herself hurrying from her class on Microbiology and trying to get to her work place before Her Employer arrived from his Engineering classes.
  The smell of flowers, and fruit hung heavy in the air from trees around the Quad. and the voices of dozens of laughing chatting students made the place seem alive and merry instead of the still silence that filled it when classes were out of session.

  To Elsa there was another scent, rich and nutty hints of buttery undertoens, and an occasional hint of spice. The scent of accumilated knowledge and skilled, open and eager minds.

 Zi finds the hot houses, they are large domed structures housing everything from small flowering shrubs to tall twisted trees that hung heavy with exotic fruit. Numerous attendants and students move about watering, pruning and taking notes on the flora Housed within the crystal domes.
  A pair of older men in formal scholars robes stand lecturing the students on the growing requirements and properties of several oddly shaped trees that drip a sticky amber colored sap into a large circular depression that forms a natural bowl in the lower trunks.

Zi stops inside the large domed structure and takes in the sight.  He notes the signs indicating the plants and begins moving through the area until he comes to the Rastima Nevilanthis.  Looking about Zi checks to see if there is an attendant there and calls out in a measured tone, attempting to not disturb the lecture “Lord Rosh, Lucas Rosh?”

Elsa always loved the smells of the Academja- they were so pleasant and tasty-smelling. Perfumed air in the halls of learning.

Elsa quickly stored her books in her assigned assistant's desk and put on her lab coat- no need to get stains on her own clothes. And then, she began her duties as an engineering assistant- making sure all the tools were cleaned and sharpened so that the Professor could concentrate on the more intellectual parts of the research.

She couldn't wait until she could be an actual student of the Academja rather than an employee auditing classes.

Stark entered the Academy and instantly felt a little out of his element. Here strode the over-educated bookworms of the world, not exactly his cup of tea. Was that mold he smelled? Maybe it was his imagination.

He walked over to the front desk and asked the clerk there, "Excuse me, I'm looking for a Horus Lucian in Botany. He left an inquiry at the Travellers Chapter that I'd like to discuss with him." He looked around... were they letting in students at a younger age these days?

  He's holding a lecture in the green house...Nuber three I believe." The young man at the desk looked up and seemed surprised to find he had three people who did not appear to be students at his desk." Please be careful in number three some of the plants are, unusually agressive."

---

As Elsa sat down she found a stack of reports to file, test results to transcribe and notes to be formalized and recorded in the research logs. Nothing requiring more than a few hours work and then another hour filing them away.
  Docor Sund had requested a batch of chemicals be fomulated for her research and left a list of minor proceedures she had requested Elsa for. the list was extensive and required more skill than most of the assistants had were usually reserved for senior students.

  Elsa could you please see to these yourself. I hope it's not to much. i really cant trust any of the others to do it properly.

Stark looked around and scratched his chin, "Um, and 'greenhouse #3' would be in what direction?

He noticed Valentine and nodded the warrior over, "You're going to check out the Botanist about that job too?"

In reply to Stark Sanderson (msg #7):

Alisdair shrugged, pulling his long leather jacket back onto his shoulders; the buffeting crowd had almost pulled it off.
"I can think of nothing better to do. I couldn't find any decent bounties at the Chapter House, and I don't know where else to look for a job. I do hope he allows us a little cash in advance though; I need to either buy or make myself some more ammunition."
He paused for a second, breathing a little heavily, running through the crowded streets was a lot more tiring than it looked, especially on his diet. He was in a lot worse shape than he'd like; if his drill sergeant could see him now...
He inadvertently let out a dry chuckle: he hadn't remembered that old horror in a long time, and the memory brought back a brief surge of good feeling.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sat 28 Jan 2012.

"The greenhouses are in this direction" Zi announced and began to move.  This place was not totally unfamiliar to him, and he began moving towards the large glass buildings.

Strange coincidence here was the strange man from the chapter house. He replied, "Much abliged... I can't say as I'm too familiar with the place."

  The Instructor they sought was speaking with several student. outside a wire mesh cage housing several large plants which had long drooping ropy limbs. it lacked any leaves and had a strong smell of raw meat. as the group watched a small animal wandered close to the plant and was speared by one of the tendrils and dragged up intot he crown of the tree and dissapeared into a hidden maw.
  And that is why you need to maintain your distance from the Hangman tree. Larger specimins can easily ensnare and digest larger animals...and humans." The man leading the lecture handed out several small folders to each student." tommorow we will exmine the more common and less dangerous flytrap, I want all of you to be able to describe the anatomy and methods of trapping prey exhibited by carnivorous plants in the upper realms."

Zi'ha'na moved up as the class dispersed.  Why would a lecturer need two names.  Perhaps one was a title he wasn't familiar with.  Zi recounted what he knew about the hierarchy of the school and tried to fit the incongruous fact into the frame work. He waited for the attention of the lecturer and then got to the point.  "I am looking for Lucas Rosh and understand he may be in this area.  Would you be Lord Rosh?"  Zi waited patiently for the answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sat 28 Jan 2012.

  The man looked shocked when Zi adressed him. he stepped back slightly and made a slight move into his robes pocket. The other Instructor moved away slightly motioning to someone standing nearby." Yes I am may I ask for who you are, and what you gentlement want?"

  As he spoke a man in a sever cut jacket and wearing a fiber vest under his jacket moved closer a sabre and pistol on his hip. A badge marking him as a member of the Estrea Sky Guard. " Mister Lucian, is there a problem?"

  Lucian/Rosh paused waiting for a moment waiting for Zi'na'ha to answer his question. His hand staying near his robes opening and eyeing the three suspiciously.

"Rosh/Lucian.  I am unsure how to address you.  I've not come across many people with multiple names.  Is one a title?" Zi'ha'na doesn't actually wait for an answer now that he has possible answers nearby.

"My name is Zi'ha'na, I am an archeologist specializing in ancient scripts and artifacts.  Simon, the curator at Brotherhood of Travelers, directed me to you to continue my research.  I have recently discovered that you have several masks that were sold from an expedition to your father.  I respectfully request permission to view the masks.  I wish only to study them, and I understand there have been some asking to buy them.  I can assure you I have no such interest."

Zi stopped and turned to the other two men.  "I believe these men are following up on a posting from the chapter house.  I was unaware that we would be seeking the same individual."  His voice is flat and direct.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Sat 28 Jan 2012.

  " excuse the deception." Rosh motioned to an office. indicating they should all follow him." I had to avoid my name being connected with the expedition. My fathers death, and the furor over the masks has led to some unpleasant disturbances her on campus and I thought it would lessen difficulties if I used my Drivers name."
    The young man motioned the uniformed man to excuse them and shut the door." the masks are no longer in my possession, they were stolen when my father was murdered. I have hired several men to track down the men responsible but so far they have proven unreliable."
  "I am trying to continue my responsibilities her at the University but it is being bothersome."

"That answer is unfortunate."  Zi processes what the man says before continuing.  "You say there have been others who have been hired to discover the location of the masks.  That supposes that there is some level of evidence to follow.  If you wish I would be willing to offer my services in exchange for the opportunity to examine the masks.  I am skilled in this field as well."

Zi considers the other two men and turns back to Lucas, "Is this the nature of your request at the chapter house?"

Well, at least he appreciated her skills. Too bad it hadn't expedited her acceptance.

Elsa sighed to herself, she couldn't blame Dr. Sund- she was nothing if not kind to her, allowing her to schedule her hours so that she could attend classes that interested her. And, she did accept her as an assistant without a moment's thought- as long as the work was good he could care less of the form of the mind.

It was just...frustrating.

Pushing her frustration down, Elsa began the requested work. She would do her work well- to the best of her ability.

Stark held back while Zi questioned the botanist. He could wait. He leaned against the wall and fished around in his jacket pocket. He smiled and pulled out a cigar. He bit the end off and then fished in other pockets for a match.

 Nessa watts came over to Elsa the scent of chocholate and rasberries waftin on the air as she started brewing her preparations for her own experiments. the senior student was a few years younger than most." Good moning miss Slosberg. I see they have you busy to day." She smiled and then frowned as she read the notes she had taken.

Al joined Stark leaning against the wall. He grimaced a little as he pulled out the cigar, and moved himself further away from the man. Taking out one of the knives from his belt and began cleaning and sharpening it.

Stark lifted one of his boots and struck the match to light on it. He lit the cigar with relish and puffed out a circle of smoke that drifted towards the ceiling. Ahhhhhh, nothing like a good cigar, he thought. It was finer than he could afford but the commission he'd delivered to a judge last week had offered him a few after they'd discussed the merits of a fine stoogie. The judge certainly had excellent taste in his opinion.

  " Well No the exidition is an unrealted matter. I have certain tasks I must complete before I am free to "indulge in personal matters"." Rosh replied with a hint of bitterness." I would happily be willing to allow you to examine the masks if they are recovered. I hoped to finish with this expidition, and secure more reliable assistance in finding the men who took them as soon as possible."

Elsa smiled and nodded at Ms. Watts- the student's intelligence having given the room a sweet-smell that made Elsa crave...well, her lunch.

"Good day, Ms. Watts. Yes- a bit more busy that usual..."

She paused as she noticed the expression on the student.

"...is there something wrong?"

Zi processed the information that Rosh had and looked back at the other two.   Returning his attention to Rosh Zi continues "Please provide any relevant facts discovered so far.  I will require access to the scene of the murder and a list of any changes made since then.  If any other investigators have been used their names and locations would be useful.  This makes the assumption you feel they have value to add to my research."

Clearly listening in on the conversation, Stark raised an eyebrow and blew another voluminous ring into the air. There's always more to the story, he thought.

  " I'm afraid I really don't have much ot go on. My father was killed in the street by two men who stole his belongings. He was going to his Office her on campus with the masks to show them to an associate." Rosh spoke with a good deal of difficulty and bitterness.
  " I have retained a private investigator but he has not returned from a trip to a nearby island where he hoped to speak with an informant. I spoke with his secretary and she says he took the files with him. In the main time I have been occupying my time with my duties. I was hoping he would retunr while i was in the field and I could speak wtih him then."
    He motioned to the group, including Allisair and Stark, with only a slight glance to his escort who seemd to be watching the exchange with interest.

  "I'd be happy to engage your services in the main time. If for nothing else to assist in my studies while we await Mister Jorg's return and assist me since my students are well, talented but not seasoned researchers. I can pay your fees, That is no problem our family has funds from several investemnts over the years and owns shares in a shipping concern hear on the island."

  " I can discuss the masks with you in the main time and show you what notes I have. My father was quite taken with them and had done considerable study into thier origins and several odd qualities the mask showed.  I have enough room at my home for the team to stay until the Expidition leaves and I would enjoy having guests if you all are willing to stay. I'm sure the food and accomidations are more comfortable than the Chapter house."

Zi’ha’na considers the proposal before responding.  “What is the nature of your studies?  While my abilities at research are well rounded, my skills pertain not to botany.  In regards to the investigation, I could also review the local authority report on the crime.  The information you have on the masks I would like to review, as well as any insights you have to on the items.  You may consider me at your disposal.  I will need to have my things moved from the chapter house with your approval.”  Zi nods his head and steps back slightly.

 Nessa handed the notes to Elsa the writing smeared with what looked like jam. The formula was partially obliterated with several key componants missing.
  " I can't figure out what the formula is for, and this formula looks unstable. Can you figure out what it is.?" Nessa asked looking up with a smile as she asked for helpp. " chemistry is not my strong suit. I mesed u last semester and accidently created something that smell like rotten eggs and bad milk....it stunk up the lab for days."

Ah, yes. The "Brimstone in a Bottle" incident. Elsa knew for a fact that some of the more mischevious students had copied the formula that Ms. Watts created to be used in their own pranks.

She nodded.

"Its nothing to be shamed of- I'm sure with some more study such, ah, incidents won't happen again. In the meantime, let me look at the equation..."

Elsa moved to Ms. Watts and stuck her hand out. The smell of Raspberries and Chocolate was...quite noticeable.

 Nessa hands her the formula and then looks sheepish." I admit, It was funny to see the expression on Master Wallecks face but since then he looks at me very..harshly." Nessa looked at Elsa for a moment. then raised an eyebrow. It's a new perfume my mother gave me. It's not very good, but she thought it maid me small less like a chemical vat. I'm really not sure rosewater and lavender is my scent."


OOC: the formua is a complex solvent used for cleaning bones and other organic materials. It is very unstable if prepared incorrectly.

Chemistry Check 20 to brew correctly without the proper notes..

She nodded, as if that was why she was smelling the student.

"I was curious about the scent. Well, I'm no expert. Though, have you tried essence of coco and raspberries? I think they would suit you quite well."

Elsa frowned as she looked at the notes. Her area of expertise was in Alchemicals, rather than actual production chemistry itself (though she hoped to attend classes some day). However, she knew the theoretical groundwork and so she got to working it out...

[Private to GM: Well, Elsa has Knowledge: Physical Science at +16 which she could use to decipher the formula...and Craft: Alchemical to craft the formula or give it to the student to make herself if that wouldn't work. With the formula, Ms. Watts should be able to craft it herself.

Also, please feel free to roll the dice.]

In reply to Zi'ha'na (msg #27):

With Zi stepping back, Stark pushed off of the wall and took a step towards the botanist. He pulled the cigar out of his mouth and held it in his left hand.

"Sir," he said in a gravelly-voiced drawl, "I believe you posted a commission for a pilot at the Traveller's Chapter House. I would like to learn the particulars of the job if you've still a mind to make the journey. I believe that the young gentleman here is also interested but pursues matters more martial than I."

Alisdair, seeing that Stark had introduced him already, stood up and saluted.
"Alisdair Valentine, sharpshooter. I heard you might want some armed backup. My expertise is in long-range tactical elimination, but I can hold my own in a gunfight or a melee. If any of these skills might be of use to you, I offer you my services."

" I am a botanist, I specialize on mobile, and carnivorous varieties. There have been some reports of unusual activities in the gardens around The main island and I was selected to head up an investigative team to determine the nature of the abnormal flora."

     Ah excellent, I would appreciate an educated opinion on the information we have available." Rosh wrote down an address and instructions to his staff to allow Zi'na'ha into the house.
  "As to the expedition I need a pilot willing to deal with several swarms of largish Gadflies that have taken up residence. They are unusually aggressive and have attacked craft in the area. I feel it might be wise to secure a pilot who has his own armed aircraft to deal wit the airborne menace since these gadflies are at least three hundred kilos and have inured several armed men recently.
  Which is also why I have been allowed enough budget to secure an armed escort who has weapons suitable to large aggressive creatures. If we encounter any aggressive plant life I can deal with those. It's the aggressive animals I can't deal with alone...It's not my area of expertise."

Zi'ha'na nods to Rosh as he takes the note.  "I will await you at your residence and begin any research needed at your discretion." Zi turns and heads for the door.  As he reaches it he stops and turns again.  "Thank you for the opportunity to review what you have." Thinking of no further pleasantries he heads out of the academy and back towards the streets.

In reply to The Creator (msg #34):

"Well, sir, the gun I currently use primarily was designed to take down elephants at range. I should expect it would be powerful and accurate enough to take out most animals. And, though I do not wish to oversell myself, I am skilled enough with it to take out most animal that might seek to attack you. I have all my equipment back at the Chapter House, should you wish to inspect it."

He shook his head. Bess was a good vanship, fast and agile, but she was no fighting vessel. Sure, he'd flown one years ago in the military but that seemed a lifetime ago... Hell, it had been a lifetime ago. He wasn't the same man now, thank God. Swarms of giant insects, Bess wasn't equipped for that or for multiple passengers. One, maybe two small at the most...

"Unless you have some sort of university flieger, a vanship isn't going to cut it for a job like this," Stark said pointing at Rosh with his stogie.

  "I've secured a Skiff for transport, I don't know if I can afford a Flieger on the budget I have, but I do have access to a heavy vanship it should be enough for the job."<blue> Rosh spoke up after a moment. <blue> It's a newer model military Vanship, It's equipped with heavy guns so it should be faster and better armed than your own ship."
  "I have little experience with standard firearms I will leave the decisions on their fitness to your judgement, after all it is you who will be in the most peril if firearms are called for." He replied to Alisdair with a slight apologetic smile" If you were asking about herbicides, flame dispensers or defoliants I might be able to help."

---

Nessa smiled slightly as Elsa suggested a scent." I've always liked rassberry essence. though my mother insists it isn't refined enough for a Lady.
  She looked at the formula and scrunched her nose. slightly. "this isn't that complex after all. I guess he was in a hurry, he always scrawls when he is trying to get out of the class room."

"Flame dispensers?" Al raised an eyebrow, his face showing genuine interest, "I would be quite interested in seeing those, although I don't know how capable I would be with them. If you do wish to hire me, I would be most interested in learning what your offensive capacities already are."

He didn't like the idea of leaving Bess behind but he liked less the idea of bugs poking holes her.

"What does this dangerous venture rate for pay? You'd have us risk life and limb... my time for such risk doesn't come cheap," he responded to Rosh.

  I have a 500 geld per man budget, with sufficent supplies and an expense account for fuel, ammunition expenditures." Rosh seemed hapy that the subject had progressed to the subject of pay." If the expidition proves to reveal anything of scientific or practical value I happily share any proceeds from our efforts."

Elsa just smiled and nodded as Nessa spoke of her mother and the various acceptable and unacceptable scents. The truth was that, while Elsa had a very good sense of smell, the scent of people tended to overpower any perfume. And so, she had little idea of what was acceptable or not for smells.

After giving the completed equation, Elsa just smiled.

"Yes, well....Professors do tend to be busy people."

And then she went back to her own work. She had been asked to, after all.

In reply to The Creator (msg #41):

"Hmmmm, seems a little light for what amounts to a 3-star comission. They don't usually entail deadly risk either," replied Stark considering. He let out another puff of smoke that curled and rose like a miniture tornado as it expanded, "Still... it seems the armsman would bear the brunt of any close combat."

He weighed the merits and the current lack of decent comissions for sky couriers at the moment. He sighed and nodded, "Okay, I'm in... but before I commit, I'll need to see this vanship of yours."

He leaned over to Alisdair, winked, and said, "Never commit to fly somethin' you haven't touched, kid."

In reply to Stark Sanderson (msg #43):

"I have no piloting skills, so I doubt the issue will ever arise."
Turning back to Rosh, he gave a small bow, "Money is no object for me, sir, so long as I am paid enough to eat and buy ammunition. On this subject, however, I must ask if these will be provided by yourself for the duration, of if we are to be expected to provide our own. If it is the latter, I may need to ask for a little in advance to buy bullets, or for access to the chemical workshops to manufacture some of my own."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

  " I will provide any conventional ammunition you gentlemen might need. And fortunately we are well supplied with supplies, and equipment for scientific research, or less academic endeavors." Rosh actually smiled knowingly as he spoke of other applications of his equipment." I will have the Vanship delivered to my estate, and assemble the rest of the expedition so you can make their acquaintance later this evening. If you choose not to accompany us, then there will be no hard feelings. You can consider a short stay at my estates as compensation for wasting your time."
  " I am quite certain that you will find the Vanship to your approval Mister Sanderson, My father was a pilot for the Jah-Rhoon air militia during the unification campaigns He purchased it so he could assist in training Air Guard pilots....and My younger sister has flown it many times, and is rather happy with it."

---

"Aye they are," Nessa smiled slightly," And it does provide opportunities to hone our skills."

    " Even if sometimes the work of associates is not considered by higher authorities." She glanced meaningfully toward the administration building where the Admission's Proctors office was located as she moved to complete her own project." Perhaps if they had some project to consider that was more than a simple term of lab work."

Elsa paused in consideration at those words.

"I...see. And what projects might such associates have in mind?"

"Give me directions to your estate and I'll come over in the morning. When are you expecting this little expedition to commence?" he asked.

  " Two Neva Rouge Place. It's in the Gardens." Rosh replied. " I'll have the rest of the expidition team there in the morning and we can Be under way in a day or two."

---

 I hear some of the Instructors have their own projects, not all of them are sponsored by the Institues. They are challenging and often require superior skils. The Instructors have been known to write letters for students who accel on these projects." Nessa lowered her voice and looked to see if anyone was listening. "Some of them are a bit dangerous though and one or two like Professor Sh'rahda is one of the ones you might want to avoid...I heard he...does unatural research, stealing bodies, and doing things to them."

"Much obliged," he said nodding to the man, "I'll see you in the morning then." With a final puff of smoke that looked uncannily like a vanship, he waved to Valentine and headed for the door.

Alisdair bowed stiffly to the young lord, "I shall see you at your residence tomorrow then, sir."
He turned on his heel and matched pace with Stark,
"Was that wave an invitation to join you, or simply an affirmation of my existence?" The question was genuine enough, he had never been good at judging the intentions of other people's actions outside of combat, and he would normally have assumed that the man wanted nothing to do with him, but they were working together now, and he had bought him food, so it was possible, however unlikely, that Alisdair's presence might be welcome.

"Kid, whichever you prefer is fine with me," he chuckled, "You staying at the Traveller's house?" The young man seemed very focused on his role to exclusion of everything that went on around him. The kids needed to loosen up some. There was something to be said about the stopping to smell the roses bit but he'd been much the same after losing his family. Maybe something similar had scarred the boy as well.

Elsa nodded as she heard of Nessa's suggestion. It was brave...it was bold. It might be her only chance of getting in the Academy.

"I see...that's very interesting. Have you heard of what projects those other professors are doing? I might go and talk to a few of them...just for curiosity's sake, of course."

  " I hear Doctor Jolinus is looking into something but he doesn't want to say what it is. But so far he hasn't found anyone who has the "proper attitude or wide range of skills" He requires." Nessa spoke softly. she seemd to be nervous of being heard discussing the matter. "He's a bit of a recluse but he's a fine man. Hes been a freind of the family for years and has treated my sister on several occasions. But his research, well He has not spoke of it often saying it was best know by as few as possible. I promised him I'd try to find someone who could help him....Mother absolutely refuses to let me work on anything ....Sinister. But I think he just wants to be sure no one steals his work this time."

"Thank you for brining these opportunities to my attention...I do believe I will have to visit the good Doctor Jolinus after my shift here ends today."

Elsa smiled at Nessa, ignoring the wonder scents in the room.

  "Well I know that administrtion has been dragging it's feet in....." Nessa spoike softly and then stoopped before touching on a sore subject. " She returned to her station and began to attend to her project as she waited for several other students to pass by. " And He really does need someone who can help in his experiments he is a rather nice man."

"Thank you," Elsa said earnestly.

She would go and check up on this possible opportunity, of course.

"Oh, dear! I have quite a bit more work to do. Sorry- thank you for your kind words and new information, but work must be done."

  The projects were realatively easy for both women to finish now that discussion and puzzling out bad writing had been completed. Elsa found herself alone in the lab after hours by the time she finished the students and other healp having left an hour or two earlier. The room was dark and quiet, only the sound of a rain storm against the windows sounding above the hiss of the burners and whup,whup,whup...of the venting fans.

Elsa sighed at the silence- yes, she loved the sciences and working. But, sometimes, it was the quiet moments that were the best.

Well, she should go Doctor Jolinus. And see if his experiments needed an assistant.

  The professors office is nearby in one of the adjunct buildings. a lamp burns in the window and the sound of someone mixing preparations sounds through the door as Elsa approaches. There is a slight muttering as she reaches the door, a single voice going through a complex formula of organic compounds and acids. The habit was not uncommon among chemists as it helped them from making simple mistakes during preparation. Other than the office and small lab there is no one else about in the building and the entire area seems to be disused for the most part.

Elsa knew better than to interrupt the litany- she'd used it herself from time to time and an interruption could lead to an explosion. Literally.

So, instead, she waited- for her kind often could stay still with the patience of the dead. And, when the litany reached a proper place where it could be interrupted, she knocked on the door.

 The smell of acrid smoke wafts over the transom above the door, and there is an amused laugh as the voice finished the process. The sound of a slight sizzle accompanied the smell and the pleased laughter.
  " Yes, enter," The voice called as Elsa Knocked." Mind the fumes their a bit strong." The  door opened to reveal a tall slim man in a lab coat and heavy leather apromn and glass face mask He holds his notebook and peers over a pair of multi lensed glasses as he looks to the doorway.

  Ah, Miss SlosBerg, I don't remember asking them to send you over....If the work office sent you over I don't have any work for you... " He paused and studied her slightly. switched a few lenses and looked at her again, a slight smile twitching at one edge of his lip.
  With the door open the overpowering scent of fresh bread and honey reached her nose the Middle aged man smiled awarmly as he made some internal decision and motioned to a desk." we haven't had the pleasure of a proper introduction, But I have heard that you are suprisingly industrious, talented and reliable....polite words for you do what your told and don't make it too awkward for some of our more traditional professors."

Elsa smiled slightly at the compliments given to her- she'd learned long ago not to give more than that since many people still found her kind to be disturbing.

"Thank you for your kind words, Professor. I find the work...rewarding. I have heard impressive things about you, as well. Nessa Watts has told me very nice things about you. In fact, she suggested that I come and talk to you."

  "Bless her," The professor motioned for elsa to step into his workshop and closed the door behind her. The chemistry setup burbled loudly as the preparation distilliled into a small beaker. On the table a rather badly mauled looking Spine Back scalimander lay pinned back as if being dissected. it's injuries appeared to be more from it's capture than any examination. the small venomous predators were a serious nusience in older portions of the isalnd city.
  " I have been conducting some research into the physical properties of the abilities of several species. Most precisely their biological ability to heal from serious wounds by some unknown means. It is neither arcane, or of any other preternatural nature, so I must assume it is a biological process."

Elsa tilted her head.

"Interesting. I believe I understand...are you seeking to replicate the ability or simple study, professor?"

" Before I can replicate the process I must fully understand it." the professor smiled slightly." I am hoping to learn the secret of this process, and with diligent study I believe I can instill this ability into people, as not simply something stored in a bottle, or granted by a short term spell; but a life long answer to severe injury, and disease."

"That sounds like a worthwhile goal, Professor. One which I would love to have a part come to fruition. If, of course, you would have me."

" I've heard you were an able assistant."" The professor replied with a nod," I'd be happy to have someone who has fewer preconceptions about what is and is not a suitable field of study."